Carpet is still one of the most popular flooring choices around, providing comfort, softness underfoot, and a finished look. But deciding which type of carpet is right for both your budget and your needs is sometimes puzzling. For example, should you choose wool, which has been used for centuries to weave fine carpets, or should you invest less and choose a synthetic fiber, and if so, which one?

Laminate flooring, also known as floating wood tile, is a type of multi-layered flooring made via lamination. It’s a popular flooring option for residential homes, offering a similar appearance as hardwood but at a fraction of the cost. Of course, there are other reasons to choose laminate flooring.

Cork has quickly become one of the most popular flooring alternatives to traditional hardwood. It first appeared around the late 1800s with homeowners and business owners alike choosing it over other flooring options. To learn more about cork flooring and whether or not it’s right for you, keep reading.

If you’re in the market for new flooring, you may want to consider bamboo. Featuring all-natural organic material harvested from the bamboo plant, it’s an excellent choice for both residential and commercial applications. So, should you choose bamboo flooring for your home or business?

Bamboo Flooring: The Basics

While bamboo plants are native in many parts of the world, the species used in flooring typically originate from China and surrounding Asian countries. The most common species of bamboo for flooring materials is Phyllostachys edulis. Also known as Moso bamboo, Phyllostachys edulis is known to reach heights of 90+ feet. While traditional hardwood trees can take 20 to 120 years to fully mature, Moso reaches maturity in just 3 to 5 years.

Carpeting can set the tone for your entire interior design scheme, so you want to make the best possible choice to suit your lifestyle and reflect your own personal tastes. This year’s carpeting choices range from classic solids and bold statement patterns to striking colors and plenty of eco-friendly selections.

Warmer colors in varying neutral shades of taupe and gray are serving as the balance for bolder tones; bolstered by texturing from ribbed to geometric shapes, carpeting trends are incorporating more interest. This is one of the reasons why cut-and-loop carpeting has made a major comeback – the combination of loops with cut pile results in great texturing and opportunities for beautiful color combinations. Patterned carpeting in contrasting or coordinated shades is a perfect way to add movement and interest to a monochromatic room design.